The impact on musculoskeletal disorders of changing physical and psychosocial work environment conditions in the automobile industry

Abstract In the car-body-sealing department at an automobile assembly plant in Sweden, a reorganisation of work from lineout to line production was performed. The aim of the present investigation was to study the influence of changes in physical and psychosocial conditions on musculoskeletal disorders. Working conditions were studied on two occasions, before and after the change. Physical workload regarding strenuous postures and movements was assessed by questionnaires, direct measurements recordings and by computer based observations registrations, and the psychosocial conditions by questionnaires and group discussions. The musculoskeletal disorders of the workers were studied by reports from the occupational health care centre and by self-reported musculoskeletal symptoms. A decrease in the time spent in strenuous positions was found, but the work cycle time decreased considerably and the worker felt ‘robotised’. There was a marked decrease in the perception of opportunities to influence the work, as well as the stimulation at work. The amount of musculoskeletal disorders increased for the study group, but not for a reference group from the same plant. A possible explanation for the increase in musculoskeletal disorders was the increase in perceived physical exertion and the decrease in occupational pride. Relevance to industry This paper illustrates the importance of paying attention to psychosocial issues in order to avoid musculoskeletal disorders after an intervention mainly aimed at physical workstation design.